Long Beach State Beach vs UC Riverside Highlanders Picks and Predictions January 29th 2026

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Long Beach State Beach vs UC Riverside Highlanders Betting Preview

The Long Beach State Beach travel to Riverside to face the UC Riverside Highlanders in a Big West matchup. Both teams are looking to climb the conference standings, with Long Beach State trying to overcome road struggles and UC Riverside aiming to defend its home floor. With the spread essentially a pick’em, this contest highlights a battle between two programs searching for consistency.

Line Movement and Odds

Long Beach State enters as a slight favorite, but UC Riverside’s home record makes this line worth monitoring. Current market:

  • Long Beach State Spread: +0.5 (-114)
  • UC Riverside Spread: -0.5 (-112)
  • Long Beach State MoneyLine: -113
  • UC Riverside MoneyLine: -111
  • Total: 144.5 (-110)

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Matchup Breakdown

Long Beach State Outlook

The Beach average 75.0 points per game, with Gavin Sykes, Petar Majstorovic, and Isaiah Lewis leading the offense. Sykes’ 18.2 points per game highlight his consistency, while Majstorovic’s 21 points vs UC Santa Barbara showcased his impact. Long Beach State’s efficiency (8-13 overall record; 1-9 road record; 53% two-point shooting) underscores their strengths. Their ability to score inside and stretch defenses makes them dangerous despite road struggles.

UC Riverside Outlook

The Highlanders average 71.5 points per game, with Andrew Henderson, Marqui Worthy Jr., and BJ Kolly driving production. Henderson’s 16.2 points per game highlight his leadership, while Worthy’s 18 points and eight rebounds vs UC Davis showcased his versatility. UC Riverside’s efficiency (7-14 overall record; 4-4 at home; 50.8% FG for Kolly) underscores their strengths. Their ability to defend and rebound at home gives them a chance to stay competitive.

Key Factors

This matchup may hinge on shooting efficiency and rebounding. Long Beach State thrives on Sykes’ perimeter shooting and Majstorovic’s inside presence, while UC Riverside must rely on Henderson’s scoring and Worthy’s rebounding to tilt the game. Execution in the final minutes will likely decide the margin.

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Injuries / Availability

Long Beach State: The Beach report no fresh injury concerns heading into Thursday’s contest.

UC Riverside: The Highlanders are expected to have their full rotation available.

Environment

SRC Arena has been a steady venue for UC Riverside, where they’ve gone 4-4 this season. Long Beach State, however, has struggled on the road, making this a clash of home steadiness versus visiting urgency.

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Best Bets and Prediction

Projected Final Score: Long Beach State 76, UC Riverside 72

  • Long Beach State +0.5 → Best Bet. Their offensive efficiency and scoring depth suggest they can cover the spread.
  • Under 144.5 → Total play. Both teams’ shooting struggles point toward a combined score below the line.

Long Beach State’s depth and scoring should carry them to victory, while UC Riverside’s home-court energy keeps the spread in play. Expect a competitive contest with totals landing just under the posted number.

Handicappers and Service Plays

Big West games often create unique betting opportunities. Our Best Handicappers spotlight experts who consistently read market trends, while the Leaderboard highlights who’s riding hot streaks. Premium insights in Buy Picks provide deeper reasoning behind each wager. For contests like Long Beach State vs UC Riverside, expert perspectives can help identify sharp angles in spreads and totals.

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